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Join Ben Kornell and guest host Matt Tower as they break down the biggest stories shaping K–12 policy, AI in education, edtech funding, and emerging school models.

✨ Episode Highlights:
[00:02:55] FBI raids LAUSD headquarters and Superintendent Alberto Carvalho’s home, raising questions about federal investigations and possible ties to the AllHere scandal
[00:06:07] The hosts unpack whether the LAUSD probe is about vendor fraud, immigration tensions, or broader political conflict
[00:11:06] A provocative Economist headline fuels growing backlash against edtech and classroom screen time
[00:16:44] A deeper debate on what education reformers are actually advocating for beyond simply reducing screens
[00:19:49] Alpha School, small school models, and whether test scores have become the gateway to deeper learning innovation
[00:24:51] Google commits to training 6 million educators in AI, signaling a major investment in teacher-focused AI literacy
[00:29:23] Comparing Google, Microsoft, OpenAI, and Anthropic’s evolving strategies in the education market
[00:31:59] NationGraph raises funding in the procurement intelligence space as edtech infrastructure tools expand
[00:34:13] Southern states like Louisiana and Mississippi post notable academic gains, prompting questions about policy and funding models

Plus, special guest:
[00:37:27] Ariella Racco, Founder of CoLab Education, on building dedicated collaboration infrastructure for teachers in the AI era

😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders!

Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here.

🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s:

Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com.

Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies, frustrated by other m and a firms, they created the one they wished they could have hired but couldn't find. One who understands what matters to founders and whose North Star KPI is the percentage of deals closed. If you're thinking of selling your ed tech company or buying one contact Tuck advisors now.

Cooley LLP is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education.

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Greg Hart is the CEO of Coursera, bringing 25+ years of leadership and technology innovation from Amazon, where he helped develop Alexa and expand Prime Video globally. At Coursera, he leads the company’s mission to make learning more engaging, skills-focused, and accessible worldwide.

💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. Why skills are becoming the “atomic unit” of modern education.
2. How AI is reshaping learning experiences on Coursera.
3. The role of partnerships with universities and industry in scaling education.
4. Strategies for making learning modular, engaging, and career-relevant.
5. The importance of lifelong learning and continuous reinvention.

✨ Episode Highlights:

[00:03:53] Why Greg joined Coursera: combining mission, growth, and impact for learners.
[00:04:14] Lessons from Amazon: using AI and customer focus to enhance learning experiences.
[00:07:44] The shift to skills-focused learning: mapping courses to career outcomes.
[00:13:06] AI in education: personalized tutors, course builders, and interactive learning.
[00:14:08] The power of partnerships: connecting universities, industry, and marketplaces like Udemy.
[00:17:56] Skills as the new atomic unit: modular learning for accessibility and relevance.
[00:21:23] Key challenges for Coursera: moving fast enough to meet learner and industry needs.
[00:24:03] Greg’s advice: be a lifelong learner and continually reinvent yourself.

😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders!

Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here.

🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s:

Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead.

Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies. Frustrated by other M&A firms, they created the one they wished they could have hired, but couldn’t find. One who understands what matters to founders, and whose northstar KPI is % of deals closed. If you’re thinking of selling your EdTech company or buying one, contact Tuck Advisors now!

This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Cooley LLP. Cooley is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education.

Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com.

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Join hosts Ben Kornell and guest host Peter Stiepleman, host of The Imperfect Leader, as they explore AI in schools, screen-time policy, math reform, higher ed disruption, and the future of assessment integrity.

✨ Episode Highlights:
[00:00:00] Peter Stiepleman on leading with “ed, not tech” when implementing AI in schools
[00:06:33] Seattle-area student walkout over ChatGPT access sparks debate on AI in classrooms
[00:08:11] 26 states advance phone bans and K–5 screen-time legislation
[00:10:59] Khan Academy’s failed India rollout shows implementation, not tools, drives impact
[00:16:26] Whether global systems may leapfrog the U.S. in AI-powered education
[00:18:38] AI-supported speech therapy and reading intervention free educators for human connection
[00:20:55] Utah’s math overhaul ignites debate over data science, calculus acceleration, and rigor
[00:27:24] Rural districts innovate through regional collaboration and expanded course access
[00:29:14] Higher ed faces declining endowments, enrollment pressure, and early college expansion
[00:35:09] Anthropic co-founder argues AI will increase the value of humanities degrees

Plus, special guest:
[00:39:10] Brandon Smith, CEO of Integrity Advocate, on AI-driven cheating, proctoring reform, and protecting assessment integrity

😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders!

Follow us on our podcast, newsletter & LinkedIn here.

🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s:

Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead.

Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies. Frustrated by other M&A firms, they created the one they wished they could have hired, but couldn’t find. One who understands what matters to founders, and whose northstar KPI is % of deals closed. If you’re thinking of selling your EdTech company or buying one, contact Tuck Advisors now!

This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Cooley LLP. Cooley is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education.

Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com.